[CurtF]

I think you missed the point. Its not about when the brakes are actually applied, its about looking like one brake light is always on for some reason. That reason is fairly commonly a short. The worst case scenario for a single brake light on all the time would be someone who is already a moron for having only 1 working light left of the 3 they should, and they're riding it all the time. I see lots more of the former than the latter. In Oregon we can get a great deal of fog, so I see the value of having rear fogs.

I think this actually might help in heavy fog. A driver coming up behind you will probably think, "this person is on the brakes, I better not follow too close."
Having driven in heavy fog for many years, brake lights (or what might be perceived as brake lights) are one of the most effective ways of keeping people off your tail.

 

[Shadow 1100]

I installed/wired red fog light same as OEM Subarus have it in EU; i.e. in the left backup light. It's now "red" and used as rear fog light. See my installation instructions elsewhere on this forum. The bulb is bright (921 LED 14 red) and works great - you'll get noticed!! I also "increased" brightness (921 white LED 19) of the right backup bulb to more than double of the existing OEM. Bulbs are from VLeds.com.
See pics below!
Budaru installed an outside red rear fog light that he mounted under the rear bumper, that is yet another alternative solution.[/QUOTE

I'm not in (law Enforcement) but that would be illegal in the state of Pa.
it would never pass state inspection, that's right up there with tinted windows, your better off getting a hole saw and cutting threw the bottom of the bumper,going to a truck stop and buying a tractor reverse back up light, which would be facing down, then you'll light up your rear end,Don't buy any (train horns) there illegal also!

It does look good, but not for all state's

Looks like there is a light out, which makes it illegal!!

 

[hoppyjr]

I installed/wired red fog light same as OEM Subarus have it in EU; i.e. in the left backup light. It's now "red" and used as rear fog light. See my installation instructions elsewhere on this forum. The bulb is bright (921 LED 14 red) and works great - you'll get noticed!! I also "increased" brightness (921 white LED 19) of the right backup bulb to more than double of the existing OEM. Bulbs are from VLeds.com.
See pics below!
Budaru installed an outside red rear fog light that he mounted under the rear bumper, that is yet another alternative solution.[/QUOTE

I'm not in (law Enforcement) but that would be illegal in the state of Pa.
it would never pass state inspection, that's right up there with tinted windows, your better off getting a hole saw and cutting threw the bottom of the bumper,going to a truck stop and buying a tractor reverse back up light, which would be facing down, then you'll light up your rear end,Don't buy any (train horns) there illegal also!

It does look good, but not for all state's

Looks like there is a light out, which makes it illegal!!

Sorry, but you are wrong. This is not illegal, nor will it cause any legal issues. Yes, I am certain

 

[Shadow 1100]

Move to Pa. or drive thru and get stop, you can't block you're reverse lights, theirs no uniformity. This isn't the UK,or Aussie, etc. this is the USA.

 

[scoobydoo2]

I think this actually might help in heavy fog.

...that is exactly the point! They are a safety feature when used properly in the conditions they were intended for. Europeans have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to car safety. Most of the safety features in American made cars were in European cars long before they were here.

I think this whole debate about it is mute (moot). It works...North American manufacturers don't see it as a selling feature and therefore won't put them on their vehicles...safety has nothing to do with it....:2cents:

 

[jogosub]

Move to Pa. or drive thru and get stop, you can't block you're reverse lights, theirs no uniformity. This isn't the UK,or Aussie, etc. this is the USA.

I am sorry but similar cases have been in various Courts and it's not "illegal" as long as you have it in accordance with the state, where your car is registered; e.g. if you have dark tinted windows that are allowed in your State (like say AZ) and you get stopped for it in a State that has different window tinting laws (like CA), technically you CANNOT be cited; if you are, the case will be dismissed in the Court. The Courts had previously considered such cases and ruled that, as a burden on "interstate" commerce. Those cases are dismissed and thrown out. Similar with rear fog lights. If it's legal in FL and your car has FL license plates, technically, you cannot get cited (like say in PA). If you do and can get a ticket you can go to Court, it will be dismissed. I have been through that several times in several Courts.
Yes, this is USA and the Courts rule here (not law enforcement officers, who sometimes interpret their State laws incorrectly)!
Likewise, Canadian drivers cannot be cited for having rear fog lights (or using them, if they are connected with front fog lights) because in Canada, these rear fog lights are mandatory!
Hoppyjr is right!

 

[Shadow 1100]

If you would re-read post 62 again, I said they have a (STATE INSPECTION) in Pa. which would make it ILLEGAL you would not get a inspection sticker on your windshield, theres other states also I'm sure.

 

[jogosub]

Another "bizarre" example. I have mentioned this before, but here again.
On my recent visit to Calif. I got a citation for not wearing a seat belt while I was sitting in the rear seat in a Calif. registered car, driven by my son. In the State of FL there is no such law and passengers do not have to wear seat belts sitting in the back seats. I took the case to Calif. Court and the judge sided with me and the case was dismissed. As a passenger I had no way of knowing what seat belt laws are applicable in Calif. Likewise, law enforcement officer is not familiar with similar laws in different States. A "warning" citation would have been more appropriate - and the Court sided with me.

 

[jogosub]

If you would re-read post 62 again, I said they have a (STATE INSPECTION) in Pa. which would make it ILLEGAL you would not get a inspection sticker on your windshield, theres other states also I'm sure.

Sorry - I've just read # 64... my bad!

 

[plain OM]

. . .
Likewise, Canadian drivers cannot be cited for having rear fog lights (or using them, if they are connected with front fog lights) because in Canada, these rear fog lights are mandatory! . . .

Rear fog lights (as discussed in this thread, and installed in your car) are not mandatory in Canada and I don't know of any mainstream brand sold here that has them as standard equipment.

 

[jogosub]

Rear fog lights (as discussed in this thread, and installed in your car) are not mandatory in Canada and I don't know of any mainstream brand sold here that has them as standard equipment.

Learned something new - I though I've read a post from someone that they were mandatory but I think I have mixed that up with front driving lights - those are mandatory, right? Getting old...LOL
Sorry, my mistake then...
I think what I should have said that many cars imported into Canada come with pre-wired rear fog lights...is that the case Plain OM?

 

[Budaru]

71 posts on the subject of Rear Fog Lights. Who woulda thunk?

 

[hoppyjr]

Learned something new - I though I've read a post from someone that they were mandatory but I think I have mixed that up with front driving lights - those are mandatory, right? Getting old...LOL
Sorry, my mistake then...
I think what I should have said that many cars imported into Canada come with pre-wired rear fog lights...is that the case Plain OM?

Actually, I think what you meant is Daytime Running Lights...and you're correct Jogo, those are mandatory in Canada

Many, but not all, modern vehicles that have a rear fog light option in non-North American countries are pre-wired for the option. I believe this is because it's less expensive to create one master wiring harness for the world, then just plug in the needed items for each of the respective markets. Pretty much any modern BMW or Audi has this pre-wiring and only requires the European headlight switch to become operational. I've owned a couple of VW's (99 and later) where the Euro switch and one wire were all that was needed to get rear fogs working.

I've also lived in states which require annual or initial vehicle inspections. In those locations, based on my personal experience, the inspectors check to ensure that you have all of the required safety equipment, but they do not penalize you for additional items (fog lights, driving lights, horn, etc) provided the stock, required items are present. In some states, even emission controls are checked to ensure they are present. I speak with confidence when I say that adding a rear fog light, stock or aftermarket, will not invalidate an inspection so long as it has an on/off switch. The exception would be for accessory items which are poorly installed and/or cause a legitimate safety hazzard to other motorists.

While a law enforcement officer might stop a car with an operating rear fog lamp, possibly thinking it's a brake lamp and the other side is burnt out, a quick explaination will get you back on the road without a ticket. If you have a suspended license, or warrants for your arrest, you may not want to use a rear fog lamp, to minimize your potential contact with the po-po. Again, based on my experience, folks with those conditions display plenty of other reasons for a traffic stop and likely don't know what a rear fog lamp is

 

[scoobydoo2]

Likewise, Canadian drivers cannot be cited for having rear fog lights (or using them, if they are connected with front fog lights) because in Canada, these rear fog lights are mandatory!
Hoppyjr is right!

...Yikes...I guess I had better get one on quick...lol. Definitely not mandatory here. I don't think that there is any provincial legislation for them at all...at least not in our province.

 

[hoppyjr]

...Yikes...I guess I had better get one on quick...lol. Definitely not mandatory here. I don't think that there is any provincial legislation for them at all...at least not in our province.

To be clear, I never said they were mandatory...only that they are not illegal. Someone else is the expert around here

 

[jogosub]

To be clear, I never said they were mandatory...only that they are not illegal. Someone else is the expert around here

We are all "experts" here... relax! Enjoy life!
What I meant is that driving lights are mandatory in Canada! Had those mixed up...

 

[scoobydoo2]

We are all "experts" here... relax! Enjoy life!
What I meant is that driving lights are mandatory in Canada! Had those mixed up...

...what...? I need lights to drive? Oh no :gasp: Now I have to start using them....:2: lolol.

I was kidding folks...tongue in cheek...I do however think that rear fogs being mandatory would be a great idea. Just another great safety feature we would adopt from the European auto makers...like so many others that we have jacked from their models and put on ours.

 

[mcbrew]

If rear fog lights were mandatory, then more people would be driving around in good weather with them on, and I'd have to become some sort of light-smashing vigilante. Is bad enough with all the BMW, Lexus, and Benz-driving a-holes who have them on ALL THE TIME. Whenever I'm behind one, I just flick my high beams on and leave them there. My wife thinks I'm nuts. I guess I am.

 

[jogosub]

...what...? I need lights to drive? Oh no :gasp: Now I have to start using them....:2: lolol.

I was kidding folks...tongue in cheek...I do however think that rear fogs being mandatory would be a great idea. Just another great safety feature we would adopt from the European auto makers...like so many others that we have jacked from their models and put on ours.

DRLs - I keep leaving the "key" word out - daytime driving lights that is...sorry about that...LOL

 

[mcbrew]

Daytime running lights.

Of course, here in the US of A, we can't seem to figure out that parking lights aren't for driving, and parking brakes aren't only for emergencies.